Female Reproductive System

Published: February 2, 2022 by Maria Dominique Canlas
Last updated on February 17, 2022

Unlike the male reproductive system which mostly focuses on the external parts, the female reproductive system primarily focuses on both the external and internal parts, which are all essential for a female’s sexual function, reproduction, and hormone control.

1 Labia Majora

On either side of the vaginal opening, there are fleshy outer lips. The Latin term "labia" means "lips," and pubic hair grows on these outer lips.

2 Labia Minora

These are the inner lips. They sit inside the outer lips but can be in varying sizes. In some females, for example, the inner lips extend beyond the outer lips.

3 Clitoris

The glans clitoris is found where the inner lips meet at the apex of the vulva. It is about the size of a pea, but the size varies from person to person. The clitoris is only visible at the tip, although it has two shafts that extend up to 5 inches into the body. Many nerve endings in the clitoris are extremely sensitive, especially during sexual stimulation.

4 Hymen

The hymen is a membrane of tissue that covers the external vaginal opening. However, not all females have it. The hymen can rupture as a result of pelvic injury, sports activity, pelvic examination, sexual intercourse, or childbirth. 

5 Urethral Opening

The opening to the urethra sits above the vaginal opening. The urethra connects to the bladder, and the opening is where urine exits the body.

1 Vagina

The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal. The opening to the vagina is part of the vulva. It also contains special structures called Bartholin’s glands which are two glands that sit on either side of the vaginal opening. Its main function is to secrete lubrication to keep the vaginal tissues from becoming too dry.

2 Uterus

The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby.

3 Cervix

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It is a cylinder-shaped area of tissue that separates the vagina from the rest of the uterus.

4 Fallopian Tube

These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization of an egg by a sperm normally occurs in the fallopian tubes.

5 Ovaries

The ovaries are egg-shaped organs attached to fallopian tubes on the upper left and right sides of the uterus. The main function of the ovaries is to produce eggs and hormones. Each ovary is roughly the size of an almond.  

References
ClevelandClinic. (n.d.). Female Reproductive System. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system
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